WEGOVY(SEMAGLUTIDE)

Description

Wegovy (semaglutide) is an injectable medication that is used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased exercise to help manage chronic weight in adults who are:

• Obese (body mass index = 30 kg/m2) OR
• Overweight (body mass index = 27 kg/m2) with at least one weight-related condition (e.g., high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol)

Wegovy is classified as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist.

 

 

Directions

 

Wegovy is available in a pre-filled pen that delivers a single-dose of either 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, or 2.4 mg.

Wegovy should be injected subcutaneously into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm one time a week, on the same day each week. Wegovy may be administered with or without food. If you have any questions about using Wegovy, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

The typical starting dose is 0.25 mg one time a week for 4 weeks. Your doctor may increase your dose every 4 weeks until you reach 2.4 mg once weekly.

The maintenance dose is 2.4 mg one time a week.

If you have type 2 diabetes, be sure to check your blood sugar before starting and during treatment with Wegovy.

 

Ingredients

 

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Wegovy.

Contraindications

Do not use Wegovy if you or any member of your family have had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

Do not use Wegovy if you are allergic to semaglutide or any of its other ingredients.

 

Cautions

 

WARNING: RISK OF THYROID C-CELL TUMORS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. In rodents, semaglutide causes thyroid C-cell tumors at clinically relevant exposures. It is unknown whether WEGOVYTM causes thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans as the human relevance of semaglutide-induced rodent thyroid C-cell tumors has not been determined. WEGOVYTM is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Counsel patients regarding the potential risk of MTC and symptoms of thyroid tumors.

• Before you start treatment with Wegovy, tell your doctor:
  • About all the medications you take, including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Do not take Wegovy with other GLP-1 agonists.
  • About your allergies
  • About your health conditions, including:
    • Kidney problems
    • Pancreatic problems
    • Type 2 diabetes
    • History of diabetic retinopathy
    • Have or have had mental health problems
  • If you are pregnant or have plans to become pregnant
  • If you are breastfeeding or have plans to breastfeed
• Wegovy should be stored in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Discard the pen after you use it.

 

Side Effects

 

Wegovy can cause side effects. The most common include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, headache, tiredness, dizziness, indigestion, bloating, belching, flatulence, stomach flu, and heartburn.

These are not all of the potential side effects that can occur with the use of Wegovy. Call your doctor right away if you develop negative or persistent side effects.